Choosing a Fold Up Pushchair

Fold-up pushchairs from birth make it simple to hop on and off public transport, or fit in the back of cars. They also tend to be extremely compact and lightweight which makes them ideal for traveling by plane.

This UPPAbaby has one of the most compact folds we've ever seen. However, it comes with a few limitations, such as a tiny canopy and a lack of storage.

Folding is easy

When selecting a fold-up pushchair, you must think about where and how you'll use it. If you're taking your baby on a plane then a compact and light buggy will be a great choice. It can be tucked away in the overhead luggage compartments and is small enough to be carried over the shoulder. Look out for an easy-to-use fold that's simple to operate while holding your baby and a handle that is height-adjustable to ensure that parents and caregivers of various heights can comfortably use it. A lock that can swivel is essential if plan to hike with your baby. It will help you navigate the terrain that is uneven. Other handy features to check include a deep recline to ensure easy naps on the go, and an extendable canopy which provides additional sun protection.

It is important to test the pushchairs before purchasing to make sure they can be folded with one hand while holding your child. The UPPAbaby G Luxe was rated highly by our reviewers, due to its innovative mechanism that concertinas into a package that is smaller than an umbrella. It also has a convenient pocket for stashing keys and phones and the ability to recline the seat with one touch, which is ideal for kids who like to sleep while on the move.

Some of the most compact fold up pushchairs are designed to be used right from birth and offer a flat seat that can be sat on or the option of an additional carrycot, so they're perfect for infants who need to rest during the day. If you plan on using your travel system from the start, a one-click attachment system for an infant car seat is essential.

The Cybex Libelle is the smallest and lightest of the group. It folds even smaller than its counterpart, the YOYO2, (only 4cm thicker) and is easy to carry at only 6kg. It's also super-easy to use, using a simple one-hand fold and seat recline that is ideal for toddler napping. This model is a great option for hikers, since it comes with a huge front swivel tire that is able to be able to handle any terrain.

One-Handed folding

When you're going for a stroll through the park, speeding around the city on public transport, or jetting off to foreign shores with baby in tow it's a good idea to have a pushchair that folds up easily. It's not ideal to have to fold a complex travel system and manage the child and all their essentials, like keys, shopping bags, and other items. This is why one-handed strollers and pushchairs are the most preferred choice for parents.

One-handed fold pushchairs can be folded by pressing one or more buttons. Some models require more effort or even two hands, but the ease of the process means they are nevertheless easy to maneuver and stow away. They are also lighter, making them simpler to carry around and fit in tight spaces.

An excellent example is the G-Luxe model from UPPAbaby. This model is one of the easiest to fold with one hand in our roundup. It's all it takes is pulling a lever on the chassis. It stands by itself when folded, and is ideal for stowing in the corner of a cafe or the foyer.

The Bugaboo Bee is another model that folds using just one hand. It's among the first pushchairs that fold compactly. While it's larger than the other models it still features an easy and compact fold. It comes with a wide array of features, too such as a deep recline and an UPF 50+ canopy that can be expanded designed to keep your child covered on sunny days.

Some of these compact-folded pushchairs are only designed for older babies and toddlers. However there are many options that can be used from the time of birth. They have a complete or partial lie-flat seat, and can come with the option of incorporating an infant car seat. MFM editor Gemma has traveled extensively with her son in the Babyzen YOYO which is one of the original buggys of this kind and still a favorite. It's slightly smaller and less compact fold than other models, but it's very easy to handle and fits into the allowance for cabin luggage on a majority of airlines.

Lightweight

A pushchair that folds is usually extremely small and light. This is especially true of umbrella-folding pushchairs, which typically weigh less than 20 pounds. These are ideal for short walks on flat surfaces or pavements and for transporting between your car and other houses. They're also a good choice if you do not wish to purchase an all-terrain stroller, and prefer to use your pushchair on flat surfaces.

If you're planning to fold a compact pushchair when you're walking on muddy or sandy surfaces, think about getting an air-filled tyre. They're a bit heavier than regular tyres however they'll provide more traction and grip. It's important to remember that the weight added will increase the size of your collapsible pushchair.

A lot of lightweight pushchairs are designed for older babies and toddlers who can sit up on their own, however many are now suitable for babies from the time of birth. Models like the Mamas & Papas Airo have a lie-flat seating area and can be used in conjunction with a car seat for infants or an additional carrycot (sold separately). Some compact-folding pushchairs are designed to be used with a stroller board to transform them into a double buggy - ideal for taking Grandma or Grandad along too.

A lot of the top lightweight pushchairs are easy to operate. Some pushchairs can be opened or closed with the press of a single button. Others have more complex mechanisms, but they take up a small amount of space. Some have a strap on the wrist that lets you keep your grip on the pushchair shops near me even when it's folded, and this can make a big difference in the ease of move around.

The 3D Lite stroller from Contours is a great example of a compact stroller packed with features. There's a decent-sized basket and plenty of padding adjustable handlebar height (for parents who are tall and short), a reclining seat and a huge canopy for protection. Plus, it's very lightweight and comes with a handy carrying bag.

Compact

One of the main things you need to consider when selecting a pushchair is how compact it will be when folded. Some pushchairs are very compact fold, whereas others are bigger based on their overall size and features.

A pushchair's compactness may also be a factor to consider if you intend to travel with it. There are models that fold to the smallest size and even into a pouch, which means they can be easily stashed away in the boot of a car or taken on the plane as cabin baggage. This is a great option for those who travel frequently or reside in an urban area, where you won't be able to carry a stroller that is larger all the time.

The best pushchairs have an easy and simple folding process. The Babyzen YOYO was the first of its kind and has since been imitated but is unique due to its clever details and its superior performance.

The Babyzen YOYO has an impressively compact fold and is slightly larger than the average hand luggage allowances, making it perfect for travelling with. It can be utilized at the gate between the flight's departure and landing it on the way back.

The Mamas and Papas Airo is a compact pushchair which offers more space. The seat reclines completely, and there is plenty of padding to make your child feel comfortable. It can be used at birth, if you want to, with the addition of a newborn cocoon bag or carrycot (not included).

The Ergobaby Metro+ can also be used as a lightweight stroller for use in the everyday. It features a compact fold that can be placed upright when not in use. However it's not as simple to use as some models and can produce lots of noise when you adjust the canopy, which could cause your baby to wake up.